PARcares Offers Free Career Assessment Tool to Jobseekers

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Jul 27, 2020, 10:59 ET

LUTZ, Fla., July 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Even in the best of times, finding the right career can be a challenge. The Self-Directed Search (SDS) is now being offered for free to jobseekers to assist the millions of Americans now facing unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis. The opportunity to use this celebrated career exploration assessment for no charge is only available for a limited time.

"The COVID-19 crisis is like nothing any of us have experienced," said Kristin Greco, PAR CEO. "So many people are struggling and finding a job can be a challenge. We wanted to do our part through our PARcares initiative to help people find meaningful work, so it only seemed natural to offer the SDS as a free resource."

More than 35 million people have taken the SDS to find a career that fits their personality. The SDS is based on a theory developed by John Holland, known as the RIASEC theory, that both people and work environments can be classified into six basic types; people are happiest when those types align. After asking test-takers questions about their aspirations, competencies, and interests, the SDS provides a Holland code along with a personalized list of occupations and fields of study associated with that code.

After the assessment, the SDS website provides an interactive career guidance experience, allowing individuals the ability to explore occupations that fit their Holland code, research salary data associated with those career options, browse job openings in their area, and explore links to education and career planning sites. The SDS takes about 20 minutes to complete.

"The SDS has helped millions of people at different points along their career path," said Melissa Messer, MHS, coauthor of the SDS. "It can provide valuable guidance and even offer job possibilities that individuals may not have considered."

To learn more, visit self-directed-search.com. For other crisis and pandemic mental health resources, visit parcares.com.

Founded in 1978, PAR is a leading publisher of assessment instruments, software, and other related materials. Over the past four decades, PAR has earned a reputation for providing customers with innovative assessment solutions and unparalleled customer service.

SOURCE PAR, Inc.